Members of Woodstock’s American Legion Benson-Flugel Post 111 led the parade, followed by the town’s Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops. Little League baseball and softball players also enjoyed the opportunity to march. Firefighters and paramedics from the town’s three fire departments, Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association, Bungay Fire Rescue in West Woodstock and Muddy Brook Fire Department in East Woodstock drove their vehicles or marched.

After the parade, paradegoers and marchers gathered for a memorial service at the Woodstock Hill common.

Jordyn Woodland, an eighth-grader at Woodstock Middle School, won an essay contest and read her winning essay at the memorial ceremony.

In part of her essay, Woodland evoked the resilience of the soldiers who constantly guard the Tomb of the Unknowns through any weather at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

“They know in places all over the world, other soldiers like themselves are putting their lives at risk or getting injured in order to help others or serve a greater purpose,” Woodland said, reading her essay.

To Woodland, the sacrifices of soldiers around the world fit her definition of patriotism.

“To me, patriotism means that someone who is proud of their country will do whatever it takes to do what’s right,” Woodland said.

The ceremony also honored Michael Dougherty, VWFA deputy chief, with the Woodstock Firefighter of the Year Award. Dougherty joined the VWFA in 1989. Todd Smith, commander of American Legion Benson-Flugel Post 111, presented the award on behalf of the American Legion.

“This commendation is awarded for outstanding public service, benefitting our community, state and nation,” Smith said.

Ronald Klare, Day Kimball medical director, was the honored guest speaker. Klare spoke about the military experience of his father, Rudy Klare, a physician who moved to Woodstock after serving as a Marine in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

While in the military, Klare said, his father served as a chief in the naval medical corps, examining naval soldiers injured in combat.

“He was assigned the worst job of his life,” Klare said. “He had a couple of minutes per case to decide who was too gravely wounded to go to the ship’s small operating room.”

As the son of a veteran, Klare referenced the message of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and thanked soldiers, veterans and their families for their sacrifices.

“I would like to express a gratitude to all the men and women who have dedicated their service to this great country, both those of old and those currently,” Klare said.